Economy of Francesco conference

One of the Economy of Francesco workshops

The Coventry Deanery Justice and Peace Group advocates for social justice in line with Catholic Social Teaching, upholding the dignity of every person, and fostering solidarity with marginalised people. Representatives from parishes across Coventry meet monthly to address concerns at parish, regional, and international levels. Current initiatives include supporting local food hubs, Baby Godiva, and Clothing Coventry; raising awareness around regional issues such as the West Midlands Pension Fund's involvement in the global arms trade; and engaging with international matters ranging from Pax Christi's peace efforts to the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

On 3 December, Si Chun Lam, a parishioner at Sacred Heart Parish Coventry, shared reflections from their attendance at the Economy of Francesco conference in Castel Gandolfo. Founded by Pope Francis and inspired by St Francis of Assisi, the Economy of Francesco is a global movement of young economists, entrepreneurs, and change-makers committed to rethinking and reshaping economic systems to serve the common good. The recent conference in Italy, entitled Restarting the Economy, convened participants to exchange ideas and co-create solutions that uphold human dignity. Through workshops and collaborative sessions, themes explored included policies for happiness, agriculture and justice, and vocation and profit.

The Coventry Deanery Justice and Peace Group welcomed the conference's focus on reimagining economic structures and was particularly inspired by the collaborative, co-created approaches that brought together academics, policymakers, businesses, alongside schoolchildren and university students. Inspired by these insights, the Group discussed ways to encourage parishioners to establish a local Economy of Francesco Hub, and support the growth of sustainable enterprises such as social economy firms, and embed these values more deeply within parish life.

For more information see: https://economyoffrancesco.uk/2025/12/15/collaboration-creativity-and-care-reflections-on-restarting-the-economy/